Can sellers actually obtain a new buyer & close before the 25th? What does your agent say? If you don't have one, then is the realtor acting as a dual agent? If so, realtor may have breached his/her duty to you by wording the contract incorrectly & not protecting your rights/wishes. It sounds like sellers wanted a 'time is of the essence' clause & you didn't. By picking their term, realtor showed favoritism & breached ethical duty to act in your best interests.
Read the contract and see what gives S the right to keep the deposit. If your offer & contract were contingent on selling your house first, then you haven't breached & S may not be able to keep the money. It's time to get a real estate attorney. Usually a 30 day delay is not considered a material breach sufficient to allow S to terminate the contract.
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This is not legal advice and you are not my client. Double check everything with your own attorney and your state's laws. ppls@qwest.net - please include some facts so I know who you are! |